shower

/ˈʃaʊ.ər/
a device for bathing with water

She took a quick shower before leaving for work.

She washed herself with water from a shower device before going to work.


informal

a device that sprays water for bathing

The shower in the hotel was very powerful.

The water pressure from the shower device was strong.

Common in bathrooms for personal hygiene.

informal

a brief period of rain

We had a quick shower before the sun came out.

There was a short rain shower before the weather cleared.

Used metaphorically to describe a short burst of something.

informal

a large number of things happening at once

The team received a shower of compliments after the game.

The team was praised by many people at the same time.

Used metaphorically to describe an abundance of something.

Collocations

take a showerto bathe using a shower deviceshower gelsoap specifically for use in the showershower curtaina fabric barrier around a shower to prevent water from splashing

Related Phrases

shower of praisephrase
a lot of praise given at once
shower thoughtphrase
a sudden realization or insight

Pro Tip

Context Matters

The meaning of 'shower' depends on the context. In a bathroom, it refers to the device. In weather, it refers to rain.

Gold Rule

Common Usage

'Shower' is most commonly used to refer to the bathing device.

Word Origin

From Middle English 'shouren' (to sprinkle), from Old English 'scurian' (to shower).

Usage Notes

The word 'shower' can refer to both a device for bathing and a brief period of rain. The context usually makes the meaning clear.

Word Breakdown

shower
to sprinkle or spray
root
English Dictionary